force of nature

Ben and a little mushroom, Canon Rebel Xti

This quote kicked my ass in the best way today:

“This is the true joy in life, to be used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, to be thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap. To be a force of nature instead of a feverish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am a member of a community and as a member it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can before I die. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch that I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
– George Bernard Shaw

Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME >

41 Comments

Silvia on October 24, 2008 at 8:51 AM

wow.
have a great weekend!!
busymomma66 on October 24, 2008 at 9:04 AM

I love the quote. I think I need to print it out an post it next to my bed to read every night. A great aspiration.
The picture is adorable. What a beautiful face to wake up to.
amanda on October 24, 2008 at 9:41 AM

i so needed that!
Jen Downer on October 24, 2008 at 10:54 AM

FANTASTIC quote!!!! thanks!
and a, what a great diptych of beautifullness. i heart it.
love.
Patricia on October 24, 2008 at 11:17 AM

Sweet Andrea,
This quote exemplies giving and sharing of oneself individual gifts with others, their community and the world. This quote says skate, swim, swing from a vine, live out loud, stretch your creative muscle and say f*$k to the fear of inadequacy. Be the match not just the candle to stake your claim, claim your prize, live your life!
Much love,
Trish
patriciadolan@comcast.net
Kirsten Michelle on October 24, 2008 at 11:35 AM

He has so many incredible quotes that Mr. Shaw…I studied his work extensively back in theatre school.I’m not sure I’ve ever come across this one…or perhaps I have and it just didn’t resonate as deeply with where I was at.
Thank you for sharing it today…along with she gorgeous images.
I hope you are feeling better.
xoxoxoxo
Kirsten Michelle on October 24, 2008 at 11:36 AM

oops…i meant to say THESE gorgeous images 😉
mamie on October 24, 2008 at 12:19 PM

perfect. what a quote.
Jenny Rebecca on October 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM

Wow….
jen lemen on October 24, 2008 at 1:51 PM

oh my lord, i love love love this quote. thank you!
DonnaG on October 24, 2008 at 2:00 PM

Oh, Andrea, this quote is so beautiful and perfect. I want to read it every single day. Thank you so much for sharing!
jennlui on October 24, 2008 at 2:30 PM

wow what a really great quote! thank you so very much for sharing! this does make me think a bit differently as my role as a mother…
jo anne on October 24, 2008 at 3:42 PM

thank you for this quote. perfect timing. 🙂
Marianne on October 24, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Thanks for that – it is so affirming of the choices I’m in the process of making, and the things I’m in the process of letting go of this weekend. Top be a force of nature – amen to that sister. x
spoiledonlychild on October 24, 2008 at 4:05 PM

The quote is lovely, but it is way too much pressure for me. As someone who has had issues with anxiety and insomnia, I’m trying to stick more with the “Accept each moment as it is,” rather than “You must kick ass every moment or you are a total failure and your life is meaningless!” I already give myself enough of that as it is.
Lu on October 24, 2008 at 5:02 PM

he always has the best quotes…that sure gave me a sweet Jesus moment.
amy on October 24, 2008 at 5:06 PM

i have read those wonderful words before but thank you for the reminder today.
Mrs. G. on October 24, 2008 at 6:03 PM

Exquisite.
Hillary on October 24, 2008 at 7:53 PM

Here’s to kicking ass and taking names! I needed this one so much right now. It speaks to my feeling that I’ve been complaining instead of taking the bull by the horns. Thank you Andrea.
jag on October 24, 2008 at 8:08 PM

I hadn’t seen this longer quote before… thanks! I did create a quote note for a friend recently. You may enjoy it to!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2924917961/in/set-72157607328527864/
Thanks for giving so much of yourself here…
xox
blackbird on October 25, 2008 at 4:23 AM

perfect.
Julia on October 25, 2008 at 1:51 PM

Amen sister!
These words couldn’t have come at a better time.
🙂
Rebecca on October 27, 2008 at 7:53 AM

Of course the photos and quote are perfect, as always. I’m also noticing lately that I LOVE your blog with the ads and books and all the new whozeewhats. Whatever criticism or concern there was about the… it’s a fabulous repository of things cool, beautiful, inspiring, etc.
Thanks for the continuous stream of good stuff.
Alison on October 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM

Aaahh that photo is adorable.
Such a great quote, thanks for sharing.
love
Alison
x
Alison on October 27, 2008 at 10:06 AM

Aaahh that photo is adorable.
Such a great quote, thanks for sharing.
love
Alison
x
Sandra Flear on October 27, 2008 at 8:14 PM

that is exquisite – a FORCE OF NATURE … powerful..
Beth on October 28, 2008 at 5:59 AM

Ben and I have the same haircut. It looks cuter on him. 🙂
Tara Arismendy on October 28, 2008 at 8:40 AM

What great inspiration for the day and the future.
Today I will be triumphant even if it is bringing the trash cans up to the house before my neighbors call code enforcement.
Baby Steps…
Tara Arismendy on October 28, 2008 at 8:40 AM

What great inspiration for the day and the future.
Today I will be triumphant even if it is bringing the trash cans up to the house before my neighbors call code enforcement.
Baby Steps…
kristina terrell on October 29, 2008 at 6:03 AM

Lovely post…..thank you.
Belinda on October 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM

I wasn’t able to put a comment under the SARK interview, so I hope you don’t mind me putting it here (since I, too, would love a chance to win her book!). I had the most amazing dance tonight and felt so very connected to my partners. It was wonderful! Just thought I’d share.
Belinda on October 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM

I wasn’t able to put a comment under the SARK interview, so I hope you don’t mind me putting it here (since I, too, would love a chance to win her book!). I had the most amazing dance tonight and felt so very connected to my partners. It was wonderful! Just thought I’d share.
Julia on October 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM

Thanks for this quote! I’m going to hang it in my studio. You are an inspiration! Love your blog.
Julia
Jacquelyn on November 1, 2008 at 7:40 AM

I love this! I am going to print and hang in my lab. Thanks.
Jacquelyn on November 1, 2008 at 7:40 AM

I love this! I am going to print and hang in my lab. Thanks.
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